Noodles Factory Set to be constructed at JKUAT by 2017

Prof. Imbuga (left) and Tsuyoshi exchange partnership documents for construction of the factory

An instant noodles production line capable of rolling out 150 packs per minute will be operational at JKUAT by December 2017. The facility which is an offshoot of collaboration between Nissin Foods Holdings of Japan and JKUAT, will boost supply of locally flavoured noodles to the Kenyan market.

The factory whose construction shall be fully funded by Nissin Foods Holdings, will be owned and managed by JKUAT, once operational. It is expected to give impetus to sorghum farming in Kenya as the commodity is a key input in the manufacture of noodles.

JKUAT intends to leverage on locally available resources and flavours to produce tailor-made noodles for the local market.

Currently, the two entities run JKUAT Nissin Foods Ltd, a joint venture company that has made significant inroads in the noodles market since inception in 2013. The company currently controls 10% of the noodles’ market share in Kenya and produces nyama choma and chicken flavoured noodles.

Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mabel Imbuga said, besides production of noodles, the facility will also be instrumental in training and research in thematic areas such as engineering and food science.

Joyce Mugo, a Post-graduate Food Science student, prepare a dish of JKUAT-Nissin noodles during a food expo at the University

Nissin Foods Holdings Corporate Planning Division Manager, Tsuyoshi Shiotsu said his organization would extend requisite technical support to help JKUAT establish the production line.

JKUAT staff are set to be trained in Japan on key areas including factory maintenance, product development, sales and business development in readiness for the operationalization of the noodles factory at the university.

JKUAT attracted the Japanese company in its effort to foster academia-private sector collaboration for technology transfer, employment creation and industrialization.